Dollywood to reopen Friday in wake of deadly wildfires

Dollywood is scheduled to reopen on Friday after closing because of the wildfires in eastern Tennessee. (Source: Flickr Creative Commons)

PIGEON FORGE, TN (WAVE) - Dollywood theme park will reopen on Friday, after closing for several days because of the wildfires in eastern Tennessee.

Park officials said hosts are assisting area businesses with recovery needs, as well as supporting the needs of fellow hosts who are affected by the fires.

“I have been watching the terrible fires in the Great Smoky Mountains and I am heartbroken," Dolly Parton said. "I am praying for all the families affected by the fire and the firefighters who are working so hard to keep everyone safe. It is a blessing that my Dollywood theme park, the DreamMore Resort, Dixie Stampede and so many businesses in Pigeon Forge have been spared.”